Lower East Side

Restaurants in Lower East Side

Multiethnic small plates, handcrafted cocktails, and late night DJ’s make the Stanton Social a trendy go-to for tapas in the Lower East Side. Established in 2005 by chef-owner Chris Santos, the restaurant has a three-level interior inspired by the 1940’s garment industry.

Rock star Moby started this Lower East Side cafe with his ex-girlfriend in response to the lack of vegetarian and vegan food in the area. With its soothing white-and-green color palette and natural lighting, it’s something of an oasis for laid-back living in the city.

A famous grump and short-order cook, Kenny Shopshin is one of those only-in-New-York characters tolerated for his culinary skills. Formerly of Shopshin's Diner in the West Village, the infamous grouch now plies his wares in a bright, but cramped, corner of the Essex Street Market.

Congee Village, on the outskirts of Chinatown, offers an extensive menu of more than 250 classic Cantonese dishes. As the name suggests, the restaurant is best known for its congee, or rice porridge; options include the chicken and black mushroom.

Located in Chinatown, Pho Grand is a local favorite for authentic Vietnamese food. The restaurant's dining room, made up of cedar-paneled walls and wooden beams, is often filled with patrons who come to enjoy the pho - a rice noodle soup that comes with a choice of meat.